Download Proteus Manual version 2

Reference Guide and
User’s Manual
Revised for OS Version 2
—www.syneticsystems.com—
Proteus™ Light Sound Stimulation System User’s Guide
Congratulations! You now own the most advanced light sound
stimulation system (LSS) available on the market today. Proteus offers several major advances over earlier models:
MultiColor LiteFrames™. Now you can take advantage of
the correlation between color and mental state: green for relaxation, red for stimulation, and more than 250 combinations
of the two. Plus, the visual effects are much more intense
than with old-fashioned monocolor systems! Patent pending.
Improved AudioStrobe® decode circuitry. We’ve added
sophisticated new circuitry for an extraordinary new
AudioStrobe experience.
Internet ready. Connect Proteus to your computer and
transfer new programs into the system. The internal operating system can be completely updated via free download from
our website. You’ll find free sessions on our site as well
(www.syneticsystems.com).
Large session memory store. The two oversized nonvolatile memory banks in Proteus can hold up to 199 programs
READ THIS BEFORE USING PROTEUS
Proteus is intended for use as a tool for enhancing consciousness
and for personal growth. It is not intended for use as a medical
diagnostic or therapeutic device, and no medical claims of any
sort are made for it.
DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT without your doctor’s specific guidance if you or any family member has ever experienced any form
of seizure disorder, such as epilepsy, or if you are or have been
taking any form of psychoactive drug, such as amphetamines,
barbiturates, cocaine, etc.
Copyright © 2001 by Synetic Systems International Inc. All rights reserved.
Proteus, LiteFrame and Color Crossfades are trademarks (TM) of Synetic Systems. AudioStrobe is a registered trademark of AudioStrobe GMBH.
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and four audio waveforms at one time. Proteus ships with 50
programs preprogrammed into memory, and these may all be
modified with the included Proteus Session Editor software.
Free software. Proteus includes free Windows 98/NT 4.0/
Windows 2000 compatible software and serial cable that you
can use to create your own sessions, edit audio waveforms
(including binaural beats), build your own downloadable
“albums”, create Bicolor ramps, etc.
These aren’t the only new features; you’ll find more details in
the following pages.
Introduction
Your Proteus package should include the following items:
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Proteus console
Headphones
MultiColor Liteframes™
PC-connect cable
Stereo patch cord
Proteus CD
Handy carry case
This manual
You will also need three “AA” batteries.
Setting your system up and running your first
session
Step 1: Install the batteries
·
·
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Remove the sliding battery cover from the back of Proteus.
Install three “AA” batteries. Be sure to observe proper
orientation.
Replace the battery cover.
Step 2: Connect the LiteFrames and headphones
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·
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Plug the LiteFrames into the top of the unit.
Plug the headphones into the jack on the right side of
the unit that is nearest the top.
Step 3: Select a program
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Turn the unit on using the slide switch on the upper
right side of the console. The display will briefly flash
the installed operating system version (2.0). If the first
character on the display is “P” then proceed to the next
step. Otherwise, press the middle (mode) button until
the first character is “P”.
·
Press and hold the bottom button; notice that the display increments sequentially: “P01,” “P02,” etc., indicating which program has been selected. When the
session you wish to run appears on the display, release
the button.
You can find a list of the available programs on the inside back cover of this guide.
·
Two decimal points on the display should be flashing.
If this is not the case, press the bottom two buttons
simultaneously.
Step 4: Start the program and adjust brightness and
volume
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Sit or lay down in a quiet, comfortable location.
Press the Start/Stop (top) button to start a program.
Be sure to close your eyes! You may also need to
adjust the position of the LiteFrames on your nose in
order to obtain the best effect The light brightness and
sound volume will fade in for the first eight seconds.
Adjust the brightness and volume via the two dials on
top of the unit.
You can stop the session at any time by pressing the
top button once to initiate a twelve-second “soft off” or
twice to stop abruptly. Press it three times to stop during the first eight seconds (“soft-on” phase) of the pro5
gram.
Note: Proteus will automatically shut itself off while not in
use, regardless of switch position. If it has powered down
while in the on position, you will need to slide the switch off
and then on again.
Operating Modes: Overview
Proteus may be used in several different ways, each associated with an operating mode. You select modes by pressing
the middle button. When you do this, the following characters
appear in the display in sequence:
Pxx
This selects the primary memory bank; use the bottom
key to select which session to run (“xx”=session number).
Proteus ships with 50 sessions preinstalled in this memory
bank; you can store up to 99 sessions here—P01 through P99.
P00 is the random session-it’s different every time you run it.
Uxx This is a second, utility memory bank. It works the
same way as the primary bank, except that it includes 100
session slots (U00 to U99).
USr
This is the User mode, use this to experiment with realtime changes in pulse rate, audio pitch and to toggle the
LiteFrames between all lights on/off and alternating red/green
(or on/off and left/right when using monocolor LiteFrames).
PC
Select this if you are either a) editing and testing sessions in realtime while connected to a personal computer (PC)
or b) if Proteus is under control of ThoughtStream or other
biofeedback device.
AS
Audiostrobe decoder select. Use this when playing
AudioStrobe encoded compact discs or MP3’s. This circuit
translates special signals into patterns of pulsed light,
precisely synchronized withmusic or other audio material. The
effect can be quite profound, and we’ve included samples from
several AudioStrobe CD’s on the disc which is included in the
Proteus package. Dozens of additional titles are available, and
®
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you can create your own AudioStrobe sessions using Mind
Explorer software (included on the enclosed compact disc).
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Use this mode to download new sessions into Proteus,
and to upgrade the internal operating system.
Note: when you turn Proteus on, the display will briefly show
the installed Operating System version number. Your system
should show version 2.0 or later. You can obtain free updates
as they become available from our website:
www.syneticsystems.com/proteus_resources.htm in the
“software” subdirectory. Be sure to check the FAQ, Tutorials
and Session areas for helpful tips and pointers for getting the
most from your system.
Working with Modes
Primary memory bank. This is the default mode when you
first power up your system. The display will read “Pxx”,
where “xx” is the currently selected program.
Note: Proteus will always start in whatever mode you were in
when it was last shut off. So if the last thing you did before
shutting the power off was to run P49, the next time you turn
it on it will be ready to run that session again.
Use: Press the middle (Mode) switch until the display reads
“Pxx.” Now press and release the bottom (Select) switch; the
display will step to the next program stored in memory. Next,
press and hold Select and notice that the display steps
through program numbers in sequence, three numbers per
second; after two seconds it steps through them at a rate of
six numbers per second. Release this key when you have
reached the number of the session you wish to use, then press
the start/stop button to begin that session.
You can cause the display to step backwards as well as forwards if you wish. To do this, just press and hold the bottom
as above, and when the display starts to increment, press and
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hold the top button to reverse the display.
Interlude: what happens during a session? The preset
sessions included with your system always begin with a softon period, during which the lights and sound fade gradually
(over eight seconds) into their maximum-programmed levels.
The same process occurs in reverse at the end: the lights and
sound fade gently out over the same period.
If you want to stop a session before it is over, pressing the
Start/Stop key once will cause the session to being a twelve
second fadeout. Press it twice (quickly) to end the session
abruptly.
If you would like to pause the session at the current pulse
rate, press the mode/pause key. The left and right decimals
will disappear as an indication that the session is paused.
Several pieces of information can be displayed during a session:
Current pulse rate. The numbers you initially see on the display are the current pulse rate of the session—notice that this
often changes rather quickly. This is always displayed as a
decimal number, ranging from 0.4 to 50.0 Hz (pulses per second).
Remaining session time. Pressing the Select (bottom) key
once will toggle the display into the number of minutes remaining in the session. If that number is less than one, then
you will see the number of seconds remaining. Press select
again to view the pulse rate.
No display. Press the Select key again and the display will remain off for the remainder of the session. This will help extend battery life, and eliminate the low-level “ticking” sounds
associated with the flashing decimal points.
LightFrame flash mode. Notice the two flashing decimal points
on the left and right hand side of the display? These indicate
whether the lights are all flashing together or out of phase
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(red/green or left/right). This works both with older, singlecolor or the included multicolor LiteFrames.
User Mode. Use this when you want to control the Proteus
pulse rate and pitch without the use of a PC.
Use: press the middle (Mode) key until the display reads
“Usr”, then press Start/stop once. The light and sound will
start an eight second soft-on sequence. If you press it twice
the soft-on sequence will be skipped and the program will begin at full brightness and volume. You can now control what is
happening in real time, in the following ways:
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Press and hold the Select key to increment the current
flash rate from 0.4 to 50.0 Hz.
Press and hold the Select key, and when the display
starts to increment, press the top key to decrement the
current flash rate from 50.0 to 0.4 Hz.
Press the mode key to toggle between
[LightFrame+audio] on/off and red/green (left/right).
If the left and right decimals on the display are flashing
left/right, then so are the lights and sound.
Pressing and holding the two bottom buttons during a
session causes the audio pitch to increment to its maximum value of 600 Hz, then roll over to its minimum 40 Hz.
AudioStrobe Mode. In order to use the Proteus to decode
AudioStrobe® discs, such as the included sampler, follow these
steps:
·
Use the included stereo patch cable to connect the output of your CD player to the AUX input of Proteus.
Make sure that the AUX input has been set for AUDIO
instead of DATA input: the middle decimal point should
not be flashing. If it is, press SELECT and START/STOP
simultaneously to select AUDIO.
·
Press the MODE key repeatedly until the display reads
“AS”.
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·
Start your AudioStrobe CD and adjust the liteframe
brightness and audio volume to a comfortable level.
Note: For best audio results, we strongly suggest that you
connect the LINE output of your CD player to the AUX input of
Proteus, and connect your headphones directly to your CD
player. If you do not have a line output, then connect the
headphone output to the AUX input, and connect headphones
to the Proteus in the usual manner.
Download Mode. This DL mode is used only to transfer programs or software updates into Proteus. To do so, perform
the following steps:
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Connect the DB9 connector of the included serial cable
to an available serial port on your computer (some
older models only had DB25 connectors. If yours is
like this, you will need to buy a DB9 to DB25 adaptor).
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Plug the other (stereo mini) end into the Proteus AUX
input.
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Follow the instructions in the Proteus Session Editor
documentation to complete the download. (You can
also find details in the Proteus FAQ section of our website at www.syneticsystems.com/proteus_resources.
htm.
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During the download, the display will rapidly flicker.
This indicates that the download is proceeding. When
this has stopped, press the MODE key again to return
to the Primary memory bank (Pxx). You may now select and run your new sessions!
Note: Whenever you download new programs into Proteus,
any previously stored ones are erased. Because of this, we
recommend that you leave the 50 included programs in the
Primary memory bank, and download works in progress into
the Utility bank.
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Additional Proteus Operating Details
Random session. Selecting P00 activates a “random” session: every time you run it, it’s different. This is for those of
you who are especially interested in the effects of novel stimulation on your consciousness.
LiteFrame color selection. In order to retain compatibility
with older, single-color LiteFrames, you can toggle between
monochrome and bicolor display. To do this:
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Press the SELECT and MODE keys simultaneously. If
the left decimal point on the display is flashing then
you’re set for bicolor display (this is the default option
since Proteus ships with bicolor LightFrames.)
External audio/digital data switch. We’ve packed so
many new features into Proteus that the AUX input jack is doing “double duty!” It can set to be either an audio or data input. You can toggle between these two choices by simultaneously pressing the SELECT and START/STOP (top and bottom)
buttons simultaneously.
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If the middle decimal is flashing, you are set to receive
DATA.
If the middle decimal is NOT flashing, you are ready for
AUDIO.
These features are only available in the Pxx, Uxx and Usr
modes. The other modes automatically select the appropriate
input.
Stop session soft/hard. You can stop a session at any time
by pressing the START/STOP button. As usual, you’ve got
several choices available to you:
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If you press START/STOP once during the eight second
“soft-on” sequence, the rest of the sequence will be
skipped and the lights and sound will be at their maximum values.
If you press START/STOP once after the “soft-on” se11
·
quence, the session will run a soft-off sequence, then
end.
If you press START/STOP twice after the soft-on sequence, the session will end abruptly.
Auto-off. In order to conserve battery life, Proteus will automatically shut itself off after a period of inactivity, if:
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You’ve selected either the Primary or Utility memory
banks and have pressed no switches for 5 minutes;
A session has been “paused” for more than 30 minutes;
In USER mode no keys are pressed for 1 hour 45 minutes;
In AUDIOSTROBE mode no keys are pressed after 80
minutes;
In DOWNLOAD mode no keys are pressed nor data received for 15 minutes.
Since the power shuts off while the power switch is in the “on”
position, you will need to move it “off” then “on” when you
are ready to use Proteus again.
That’s all you need to know to operate Proteus! For software
updates, answers to frequently asked questions (FAQ), tutorials, and additional downloadable sessions, visit our website at
Www.syneticsystems.com/proteus_resources.htm
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Mode
Pxx
Uxx
Pxx
Uxx
Key(s)
pressed
Function
Starts or stops
Start/stop
a session.
Select
Select session
(increment)
Notes
Press once during session for soft-off
Press twice during session for instant
off
Press three times during soft-on to
stop session
Press and hold to increment session
number; release when desired session
is displayed
Select
Select session
Start/Stop (decrement)
Press and hold SELECT key, then press
and hold START/STOP to decrement
session number. Release when desired session is displayed
Select
Mode
Toggle between monochrome and
bicolor
LiteFrames
Press SELECT and MODE simultaneously to toggle between monochrome
and bicolor display. If the left decimal
is flashing Proteus is in bicolor mode
--
Mode
Select operating mode
Each keypress steps to next mode
Usr
Start/stop
Turns User
mode on
Pressing START/STOP once begins an
8-second soft-on phase; pressing it
twice skips the soft on.
Usr
Select
Increment
pulse rate
Press and hold SELECT to increment
light/sound pulse rate from 0.4 to 50.1
hz
(Usr mode must first be ON)
Usr
Select
Start/stop
Decrement
pulse rate
Press and hold SELECT key, then press
and hold Start/Stop to decrement
light/sound pulse rate
Usr
Mode
Toggle between light/
sound on/off
and left/right
When left/right decimals are flashing
in alternation, light and sound are alternating left/right as well
Usr
Mode
Select
Increment audio pitch
Press and hold MODE and SELECT to
cause audio pitch to slowly increment
from 40 to 600 hz
Pxx
Uxx
Pxx
Uxx
Table One: Summary of Proteus key commands
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Figure One: Session segment format
A closer look at session structure
Proteus sessions is consists of a series of segments. A segment includes a variety of parameters which are defined for
the start and the end of the segment. For example, a segment may be defined as being 30 seconds long, and with the
pulse rate starting at 10.0 Hz and finishing at 20.0 Hz. The
pulse rate will then automatically increment in a linear fashion
over the course of those 30 seconds.
The example given in Figure 1 (above) shows a typical case,
where the pulse rate “ramps” up from one frequency to another, levels off for the course of the next segment, then hops
to a third frequency. Other parameters that may undergo
such a smooth “ramp” include:
Light brightness (two independent color ramps)
Audio pitch
Binaural beat frequency (always set to the same frequency as the LFO)
A variety of additional parameters can change every such as
which sound is playing, liteframe sync, whether or not sound
is being modulated, and whether or not the lights and sound
are running a “soft on” or “soft off” sequence.
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Ses. #
Category
Length, min.
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
47
Random session
Peak performance
Peak performance
Peak performance
Peak performance
Peak performance
Peak performance
Relaxation
Relaxation
Relaxation
Relaxation
Relaxation
Relaxation
Relaxation
Relaxation
Relaxation
Relaxation
Learning
Learning
Learning
Learning
Learning
Learning
Learning
Learning
Learning
Learning
Learning
Well-being
Well-being
Well-being
Well-being
Well-being
Visualization
Visualization
Visualization
Visualization
Visualization
Energizing
Energizing
Energizing
Energizing
Energizing
Sleep
Sleep
Sleep
Sleep
Sleep
varies
20
18
15
15
17
30
15
25
16
35
60
15
25
35
45
60
10
35
15
15
20
20
15
25
35
45
60
25
22
25
18
25
15
25
35
45
60
15
25
35
45
60
15
25
35
45
60
Name
48
Pyrotechnics
16
Pure entertainment 1
49
Pyrotechnics
10
Pure entertainment 2
Pull-out-the-stops
Power Regenerator
Performance Intensive
Quick Break
Power Pause
Athletic Warm Up
Peak Composure
Quick work break
Mind Sauna
Quick Refresher
Regeneration
Deep Meditation
MindLab Relax 15
Mindlab Relax 25
MindLab Relax 35
MindLab Relax 45
MindLab Relax 60
Quick Alertness
Learning With Tapes
Relax before Exams
Concentration
Creativity Enhancement
Visualization
MindLab Learn 15
MindLab Learn 25
MindLab Learn 35
MindLab Learn 45
MindLab Learn 60
Mind/Body Awareness
Afternoon Break
Deep Relaxation
Goodnight
Release the day
MindLab Visualize 15
MindLab Visualize 25
MindLab Visualize 35
MindLab Visualize 45
MindLab Visualize 60
MindLab Energize 15
MindLab Energize 25
MindLab Energize 35
MindLab Energize 45
MindLab Energize 60
MindLab Sleep 15
MindLab Sleep 25
MindLab Sleep 35
MindLab Sleep 45
MindLab Sleep 60
Table Three: Proteus Sessions
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PROTEUS LIMITED WARRANTY AND RELEASE FROM LIABILITY
1. Proteus is guaranteed to be free from manufacturing defects for a period of one
year from the date of purchase. Any defective parts will be repaired free of charge
(exclusive of shipping costs) during that one year period. Damage caused by a
purchaser’s misuse or accident, or by fire, flood or natural disaster is not covered
by this limited warranty.
When returning Proteus to the Manufacturer, purchaser should be sure to include
name, address, telephone number and description of the problem. PURCHASER
MUST CONTACT MANUFACTURER FOR AUTHORIZATION BEFORE RETURNING UNIT
FOR ANY REASON. Contact: [email protected] (206) 632-1722.
2. DISCLAIMER. EXCEPT AS PROVIDED INPARAGRAPH 1 ABOVE, THE PURCHASER ACKNOWLEDGES THAT HE/SHE IS PURCHASING THE PROTEUS ‘AS IS.’
THE MANUFACTURER AND SELLER SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIM ALL WARRANTIES,
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY
AND OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE. THE MANUFACTURER
AND SELLER ALSO ASSUME NO LIABILITY FOR ANY LOSS OR DAMAGE ARISING
FROM THEORIES OF TORTIOUS CONDUCT, INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE AND STRICT
CONDUCT.
3. Release from Liability. The purchaser is fully aware that Proteus is an experimental device that provides audio and visual stimulation. Because it is experimental, the purchaser understands that Synetic Systems, Inc. is not certain that it is
suitable for all applications or users, each of whom may be affected differently by
the devices because of individual physical and emotional makeup. Persons who
have a history of seizures, hallucinations or other physical or mental problems
should use Proteus only under medical supervision.
The purchaser further understands that Synetic Systems Inc., its agents and employees, will not be held liable in any way for any occurrence of any kind and nature whatsoever in connection with his/her use of Proteus, or another person’s use
of Proteus, that may result or ostensibly result in physical or emotional damage to
the purchaser or others. Furthermore, in consideration of and part payment for
the Proteus, the purchaser hereby personally assumes all risks in connection with
his/her use of the product, and shall advise other users of the product of the experimental nature of this device, especially regarding use by those with a history of
seizures. Furthermore, the purchaser assumes all risks in connection with use of
the product by other individuals.
4. Limitation of damages. If, notwithstanding the foregoing, there should arise
any question of liability on the part of the manufacturer or seller, the purchaser
agrees that such liability should be limited to the cost of replacement of the product.
5. Purchaser representations. The purchaser represents that he/she is of legal
age and legally competent, and understands that the terms set forth herein are
contractual and not mere recital. The purchaser has read or will fully read the
product Instruction Guide before using Proteus.
Synetic Systems International Inc.
PO Box 95530 Seattle, WA 98145
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.syneticsystems.com
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